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Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.4 from 226 reviews

This lemon garlic butter chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken breasts or thighs seared to golden perfection and coated in a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce enhanced with fresh lemon juice, zest, and herbs. It’s a bright, easy-to-make dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or elegant meals, offering a delightful balance of citrus and savory flavors with a luscious buttery finish.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • Juice of 1 large lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or thyme
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts or thighs and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Make the Butter Garlic Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add unsalted butter to the same skillet. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, to avoid bitterness.
  4. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir in dried Italian seasoning or thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer to meld the flavors and slightly reduce the sauce.
  5. Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 6–8 minutes until fully cooked through (internal temperature 165°F) and the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Finish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for brightness and serve immediately alongside your choice of rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • Using chicken thighs instead of breasts helps keep the meat extra juicy and tender.
  • Add capers to the sauce for a tangy piccata-style variation.
  • Pair the dish with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  • The sauce thickens more as it cools and rests, intensifying the flavors.
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-Inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Find it online: https://dishestocook.com/lemon-garlic-butter-chicken-recipe/